Dr. Gerald Stott

Dr. Gerald Norman Stott, 72, of Cape Girardeau died Sunday, Dec. 7, 2014, at Saint Francis Medical Center, after a long struggle with complications from diabetes.

He was born Dec. 15, 1941, in Orange, California, to Lester Norman and Beth White Stott. He and Beverly Christine Gore were married Aug. 23, 1969, in Carbondale, Illinois.

Gerald had a lifelong passion for learning and sports. He was a student athlete through his high school years, playing football and basketball. He earned a bachelor's degree in sociology from Brigham Young University, and a master's and Ph.D. in sociology from Southern Illinois University. He instilled in his children the same love of learning and enjoyed debating with them as they grew.

He lived a full life. He served in the Army Reserves, and two years as a missionary for The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints in England. He taught at the University of Wisconsin-La Crosse from 1969 to 1972, and taught sociology at Southeast Missouri State University from 1973 until he retired in 2005.

Gerald was an Eagle Scout, Scout leader and basketball coach. He served in many capacities in his church, including as branch president and a member of the Stake High Council. He was proud of having received a Fulbright fellowship to study in India and also spent time in Jordan studying religion and culture. He was an avid reader of historical and political literature. Most especially he was a devoted BYU football fan.

Survivors include his wife, Beverly Stott of Cape Girardeau; a son, Lance Stott, wife Elizabeth, and their daughter, Annika of Austin, Texas; a daughter, Tonia Stott, wife Janette, and their children, Jordan, Austin and Kylyn of Gilbert, Arizona; three sons, Justin Stott and children, Thomas and Sage of Cape Girardeau, Aaron Stott of Arcata, California, and Ryan, wife Rachel, and their children, Evelyn, Sariah and Stewart of Cedar Hill, Missouri; a daughter, Wendy Stott of Milwaukee; three brothers, Robert, Wayne and Leland Stott of Utah; a sister, Norma Jean Hillman of Utah; a half brother, Noel Stott of Oregon; stepsiblings, Julie and Ray; and stepmom, Shirley Stott of Oregon.

He was preceded in death by his parents.

A memorial service will be at 10 a.m. Saturday at The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, 1048 W. Cape Rock Drive.

Entombment will be in Cape County Memorial Park Mausoleum at a later date.

Ford and Sons Funeral Home is in charge of arrangements.

In lieu of flowers, please make donations to the American Diabetes Association.

Online condolences may be made at fordandsonsfuneralhome.com.